Fly away with Peter Pan to the enchanted island of Neverland! This first chapter book adaptation of the classic novel, originally published in 1911, tells the story of the boy who never grows up. And when they join Peter on his magical island, Wendy and her brothers are in for exciting encounters with mermaids, an Indian princess, and pirates! Let the amazing adventures begin!

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Fly away with Peter Pan to the enchanted island of Neverland! This first chapter book adaptation of the classic novel, originally published in 1911, tells the story of the boy who never grows up. And when they join Peter on his magical island, Wendy and her brothers are in for exciting encounters with mermaids, an Indian princess, and pirates! Let the amazing adventures begin!

After countless reductionist versions, it may be hard for some people to remember what J. M. Barrie's original story really was: a surreal, ironic, humorous, touching tale filled with weird details that no other writer would have dreamed of, and dry - and very English - social commentary.

Like so many other books which have been relegated to the ranks of "children's classics" and forgotten, this story is actually rather disturbing in some strange and marvelous ways - and I think it would be largely wasted on the young reader. Let them have the Disney picture book, and keep this gem for yourself.

Jim Dale is a superlative reader, who truly does justice to this strange, lapidary little piece. I recommend it without reservation to any reader/listener who will *pay attention* and see what's really there, and not the pastel wallpaper that revisionists have spread over the original work. I've listened to other versions by readers I respect and enjoy, but this one wins out over all of them: Jim Dale has got to the heart of the story that is really there, and he is mesmerizing in telling it.

I never read this book as a child. Neither was it read to me and I thought that Peter Pan was a cartoo character until I was an adult. I missed out.

If you have children then buy the book and read it to them. If you can't or won't then the next best thing is to let Jim Dale read it to them for you. His delivery is excellent and carries just the right balance of restraint and enthusiasm.

I watched Johnny Depp’s “Finding Neverland” on TV the other night and had a craving to revisit this favorite childhood classic. Except that I am one of those poor souls who never read the original story, but was raised first on the Mary Martin TV musical production, then the Disney animation. As other reviewers discovered, there is more in the story for adults than I suspected from the child-focused versions. Filled with social commentary, current day critics of the home-and-child role imposed on Wendy need to remember that this was written at the tail end of the patriarchal family-first Victorian era.

In spite of the unexpected grown up tone of the story, there is no denying the timeless charm and imagination that has endeared Peter Pan to over a century of readers. Suspending my grown up self and experiencing it through my child-self retained the magic. The final chapter, after the return home, touched me the most. It well deserves to be experienced in its original format.

Unlike the majority of listeners I had conflicting feelings about Jim Dale’s reading. As the objective all-knowing narrator he was excellent. But when it came to the character voices, especially the children, I guess I wanted to hear a little more child-like wonder. By focusing on the false bluster of the children trying to be brave and self-sufficient, some of the charm was missing. His voice was just so obviously old-mannish, in my mind a contradiction of the youth oriented tone of the story. But he is still a talented enough reader to rate 4 stars. Listening to the sample may help others to discern if his style works for you.

Always thought Peter Pan was for children, but truly Mr. Barry was writing for an audience of so much more. The narrator himself made the story come alive on my five hour drive home. . . forgot I was in Texas and thought I might be in Neverland.

What an incredibal story. I had never read the book, but I have always been a fan of the story. This audiobook really takes you there. If you have never read the book, or even if you have, this is a MUST for anybodys collection.

What marvelous silliness! So many outrageous moments! Laugh out loud fun! What a surprisingly twisted tale. And Jim Dale's rendition of Captain Jas. Hook singing!!... Oh, My! Definitely right up there with E. Nesbit and Ms. Travers - so glad I finally treated myself at long last... Thanks, Amazon & Audible :)

J.M. Barrie + Jim Dale equals a truly delightful read. The story of Peter Pan is one for children and adults alike. The way Jim Dale read it brought the story even more to life and it left me wanting more. The way Barrie included himself as a character in this book is so fun and an enjoyable way to tell a story!

I grew up with the Disney Peter Pan and loved it so I got this book. And was extremely pleasantly surprised to discover that it is even BETTER as an audio book. Jim Dale is a master reader and this story is really a lot of fun for adults as well as children. A lot of hidden humor.

brilliantly read, jim dale is able to create he most calming and relaxing atmosphere as though he is telling the story to a child.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Clare

Ireland

12/4/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Too graphic and just plain silly"

J.M. Barry's story of the boy who wouldn't grow up has always enchanted me. However I have to say that the book has let me down. I know the films and TV versions never skirted the fact of the killing that happened on the island, but the book is just brutal. This story is quite graphic and vivid, I am only thankful Barry didn't go any further. Some of the things like peter tickling stars on his way to never land were just plain daft. This is not a book I would recommend to young or impressionable children. The only thing that made the whole thing bearable to listen to, and may induce me to listen to the story again, was the fact that Jim Dale read it.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful

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